Franklin County Voters Must Register by October 20th for November Municipal Election Registration

Residents of Franklin County have a critical deadline approaching to ensure their voice is heard in the upcoming November 4 Municipal Election. According to information released by Franklin County, individuals must register to vote or update their existing registration by October 20. This deadline applies to any changes made to current voter information, with registrations submitted or postmarked after this date being held for the May 2026 General Primary.

To be eligible to register, Franklin County voters must meet several criteria: they need to be at least 18 years old by the election day, a U.S. citizen for at least one month prior to the election, and a resident of Pennsylvania and their specific election district for a minimum of 30 days before the election. For those looking to register for the first time or update their information, several convenient methods are available. Online registration is accessible through http://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov. Paper applications can be obtained from various sources, including candidate and political party offices, as well as other federal, state, and municipal government locations.

The Franklin County Voter Registration Office, located at 272 N. Second St. in Chambersburg, can provide paper applications by mail or in person, and can be reached by phone at 717-261-3886. Additionally, voter registration application forms can be downloaded from the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website at http://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote, or directly from the Franklin County website at http://www.franklincountypa.gov. Those applying for or renewing a driver’s license at a Department of Transportation photo license center can also complete a voter registration application simultaneously. Several other government agencies also offer voter registration services, including state offices that provide public assistance, offices serving persons with disabilities, armed forces recruitment centers, clerk of courts offices, Area Agencies on Aging, County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities offices, and Centers for Independent Living.

Once a voter registration application is processed, residents will receive a voter registration card in the mail. This card will confirm any changes made to their registration and will also indicate the location of their assigned polling place. It is important to note that first-time voters, as well as those who have recently updated their registration, may be asked to present identification when they cast their ballot. This requirement to show ID will only apply the first time a voter votes or after their registration information has been updated. A variety of identification options are accepted, including a valid, unexpired Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card, an ID issued by any Commonwealth agency, or any U.S. government-issued ID, including a U.S. passport or U.S. Armed Forces ID. Student IDs and employee IDs are also acceptable. For individuals who do not possess a photo ID, alternative forms of identification are available, provided they include the voter’s name and address. These non-photo options include a voter registration card from the Voter Registration Office, a non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth or the U.S. government, a firearm permit, or current utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, or government checks.

The November Municipal Election ballot will feature a range of offices, including judge of the superior court, judge of the commonwealth court, county treasurer, school director, tax collector, township auditor, township supervisor, borough mayor, borough councilperson, magisterial district judge #39-3-04, judge of election, and inspector of election.

In addition to the registration and identification information, voters in Franklin County should be aware of a permanent change to one polling location. Voters residing in the Metal 3 precinct will now cast their ballots at the Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, located at 16950 Main St. in Spring Run. Any inquiries regarding voter registration updates or the upcoming election should be directed to the Franklin County Voter Registration Office at 717-261-3886. Further election and voter registration details are also available on the Franklin County website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County.

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